Sugilite
was originally discovered in 1944 by Japanese geologist
Ken-ichi Sugi on Iwagi Island, Japan as very tiny yellowish
crystals. It wasn't until 1975, when a thin seam of
purplish Sugilite was found in a core sample in the
Kuruman manganese fields of South Africa. In 1979 a
huge mass, as much as 10-12 tons, of Sugilite was discovered
at a depth of 3,200 feet at this location. Only half of this material
had the fine grape jelly color that is highly desired.
Of this, a tiny percentage (maybe 0.1%) is translucent.
Some transparent Sugilite has been cut into gems, but
these are very rare. Sugilite has become very popular
in the jewelry trade as cabochons and carvings. It has
been described as a purple Turquoisealthough
there is no relation between the two minerals.

Sugilite
is found in just a few locations worldwide including
Liguria, and Tuscany Italy; Iwagi Island, Japan (Type
Location); Wessels Mine, Hotazel, Kalahari
manganese fields, Northern Cape Province, South Africa.